TIRANA, Oct 16 /ATA/ Tirana Police issued a statement shortly after midnight regarding several incidents that occurred in the capital during the protest held on 15 October.
Commenting on videos circulating on social media that allegedly show civilians forcibly escorting a woman, Tirana Police clarified that the person being escorted was a man, not a woman.
According to the police, the individual was escorted by Criminal Police officers as part of operations to identify and detain individuals suspected of involvement in unlawful acts during the protest. The man is suspected of leading protesters and throwing metal ball bearings at police officers and public institutions.
Regarding claims circulating on social media that police officers used metal cables, Tirana Police stated that the cables shown in the media had been seized on the morning of 15 October 2026 from four masked young men who were heading to the protest with the intention of assaulting protesters.
“Tirana Police does not use such equipment, as the types of equipment employed are regulated by law and governed by standard procedures,” the police emphasised.
Meanwhile, the police clarified that, on the evening of 15 October 2026, a group of masked protesters went to the Student Centre in Qytet Studenti and smashed the windows and doors of its buildings. The police have completed all procedural actions and are continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The police also sought to reassure the public that no police officer had resigned and that no orders had been issued to use violence against individuals taken into custody.
Tirana Police voiced concern over the circulation of what it described as malicious reports aimed at fuelling tensions between law enforcement officers and protesters. The police reiterated their commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly and urged demonstrators to distance themselves from masked individuals engaging in violence against police officers, state institutions and public and private property.
A total of 22 police officers were injured during the protest on 15 October 2026. The violence also resulted in damage to state institutions, private premises, bank buildings and road signage.
Tirana Police confirmed that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violent acts.
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